Pictured are Canon Arthur Minion, Wexford and Kilscoran Union and the Very Reverand Aodhán Marken ADM, Wexford Parish as they commence day 2 of their 4 day fast in aid of local charities. The annual Four Day Christmas Fast is an important fixture in the Wexford calendar and this year, it began on Sunday (December 20) at 6 p.m and will run until 6.00pm on Christmas Eve, 24th at 6pm.
This is the fourth year for the Canon Arthur Minion and the first for Fr Aodhán Marken on the steps of St Iberius’ Church during the four day event. Dressed in distinctive black capes and red scarfs, the clergymen endure all elements of our unpredictable Irish weather. The only drinks taken during this period will be water, tea/coffee without milk or sugar. A cup of Bovril for salt or a bottle of Lucozade for sugar may be taken if a person has been advised by a doctor to do so. A takeaway paper cup of soup will be available for each participant from Westgate Design Centre at 1 p.m. daily. No other food is taken day or night for four days.
St Iberius’ Fast was started by Canon Norman Ruddock in 1993 and was then a 2 day Fast. In 1998, Fr Jim Fegan joined Canon Norman Ruddock for his annual Christmas Fast and it then became a 4 day Fast as a sign of ecumenical solidarity in advance of the week of prayer for Christian unity.
This year the charities to benefit are the St Vincent de Paul, Ozanam House Mens Shelter, Wexford Womens Refuge, Wexford Hospice Homecare, Cancer Research and Midlands Flood Victims. Last year, the fast raised €45,200 for charity.
An ecumenical Carol Service will be celebrated in St Iberius Church on Christmas Eve at 4pm.
Please contact me, Louise Evans at 086-3182709, should you need any further information
Diocese of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory
